Letters

Crack the code

While the UK's beach donkeys deserve every care and attention (Weight limit protects beach donkeys from overweight children, April 4), millions of donkeys and horses working in developing countries are not so lucky. In the brick kilns of Pakistan and India, donkeys are forced to work 12 hours a day in searing temperatures. All too often they experience exhaustion, dehydration, disease and painful - often fatal - injuries. With its network of field clinics, the Brooke charity reaches more than 650,000 working horses and donkeys in the developing world each year. These animals support the livelihoods of millions of poor people. The Brooke's view is that all working animals should be allowed sufficient rest, food, water and proper healthcare. Mike Baker Chief executive, Brooke charity

Richard Salt (Letters, April 7 ) complains that "the rest of us are picking up the tab" for the over-60s bus passes. True, but who picked up the tab for his childhood immunisations and his education? I doubt if many over-60s will use their passes to make a grand tour of the country, but we will be able to use local services when on holiday or visiting family or friends. This freedom may prevent the isolation of some older people that can lead to depression. Ann BigwoodLondon

You omit one significant group from your list of immigrants (G2, April 7). This was the Anglo-Indians (and others) leaving the subcontinent at the time of partition. I know it was significant - it included my wife.Charlie WithallSheffield